Whether you’re still in town or just town adjacent, here are some Portland events to keep your spirits up! Keep your summer cool with some of the following.
Portland Lesbian Choir
Saturday, June 4
Revolution Hall
5 p.m.
Fee: $15 (advance), $18 (at door)
This year is PLC’s 30th anniversary and they’re celebrating at the place where it all began. This retrospective is called “As the Miles Fly By” and is a celebration and recollection of the wonderful and sweet times the PLC has had over the years. Songs can be enjoyed by all generations and two open bars will be available for the over 21+ crowd.
Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races
Saturday, June 11
Waterfront Park
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free!
My favorite tradition of the Rose Festival weekend is easily the athletic, community-based and multicultural celebration of the sport known as the dragon boat races. Teams in different boats paddle past each other while onlookers enjoy the company of the sun and other dragon boat enthusiasts. Check and see if one of your favorite groups is hosting a boat this year!
Delta Park Powwow
Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19
East Delta Park
Free!
Part encampment, part festival, all Native American, the Bow and Arrow Culture Club hosts this yearly gathering of local tribes, families, traditions, dance competitions, vendors and delicious food offerings. You don’t have to stay all weekend, but it’s definitely not something to miss.
Pig Out BBQ
Saturday, June 18
Polaris Dance Theatre
12–3 p.m.
Fee: $15–20
Happening after the morning dance classes, Polaris is hosting this community awareness event that doesn’t just highlight their dance program, but highlights all the fun possibilities through Polaris. Catering will be provided by the People’s Pig. Come for the food, stay for the live music and raffle.
Blacklight Slide
Saturday, June 18
Portland International Raceway
7 p.m.
Fee: $60
This very bizarre, very large traveling adult slide prides itself on an unforgettable night of fun. You’ll certainly be leaving glowing reviews afterward. The after party might be 21+, that’s not clear at the time of printing, but the slide itself at 7 p.m. welcomes all the family to its nocturnal fun.
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
Saturday, June 18
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
7 p.m.
Fee: $16–48
The 140 voices of the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus comes together during Pride weekend to offer up this year’s summer selection called The Divas and focusing on the women who have given great anthems, stories and beauty to the gay community. The male voices will be joined by some female voices from the past and promises to be a not-to-miss Saturday night when the world is full of Pride.
Flicks on the Bricks
July and August Friday Nights
Pioneer Square
Sundown
Free!
Brought to you by Ikea and Smart Park, this summer night Friday family tradition comes with live local bands to open the event and mystery movies! This year, they’re opening the movies to voting and entries in the past have included ET, 9 to 5, and a Grease sing-a-long. We won’t know what’s showing until we’re there, but we know it will be quality. Bring your lawn chair or your favorite blanket, a pack of cards and a few friends. Begins on July 22 and ends on August 19.
West Side Story
Thursday, June 30 to Sunday, July 24
Deb Fennell Auditorium (Tigard)
7:30 p.m.
Fee: $20–50
Groundbreaking, heart wrenching and provocative, West Side Story is Romeo and Juliet the way it was always meant to be seen. Songs like “America” and “Something’s Coming” have become bigger than the musical itself, but the timeless and doomed love story never fails to captivate its audience. Watch the young kids of the Jets and the Sharks rail against their surroundings, only to find themselves trapped like rats in a maze.
The Bridge
Sunday, July 10 to Sunday, August 21
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Free!
A total of 47 artists of different faiths from 15 countries featuring different religious traditions create interfaith mixed media pieces to promote dialogue and cultural exchange. The theme of bridges and common humanity will be found throughout the pieces.
America’s Largest Collectibles Show
Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Portland Expo Center
Fee: $7
What are you looking for to complete your collection? Some special piece of jewelry or memorabilia? Do you keep great time thanks to your thousands of alarm clocks? Are you looking for unique Star Wars memorabilia or California Raisins figurines to send your little brother for his birthday? This is a great place and weekend to find all those things and more!
The Lion King
Thursday, August 11 to Sunday, September 4
Keller Auditorium
1 p.m. matinee
Fee: $26+
Experience the magic and puppetry of the iconic Disney film The Lion King as presented by Broadway. Featuring classic film songs with a couple of original hits made for this musical presentation, the whole family will come together and leave with a whole new Hakuna Matata attitude.